Expression of Interest
National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee
Honorarium
The Ministry for Primary Industries is seeking nominations for appointments with the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC).
What does the committee do?
NAEAC is a statutory committee, established under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to provide advice and recommendations to the government minister responsible for animal welfare and the Director-General of MPI.
NAEAC provides thought leadership relating to the ethical use of animals in research, testing, and teaching. The committee's functions include:
Advising the Minister on ethical and animal welfare issues arising from animal research, testing and teachingRecommending requirements for the appointment of people as accredited reviewersProviding advice and information on the development and review of codes of ethical conductMaking recommendations to the Director-General on the approval, amendment, suspension or revocation of codes of ethical conduct.The cornerstone of NAEAC advice are the 3Rs Principles (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) which collectively provide a framework for performing more humane animal research:
Replacement of animals with a less sentient or non-sentient alternative wherever possibleReduction in the numbers of animals to the minimum necessary to achieve a resultRefinement of procedures and animal environments to minimise pain or distress. These principles are embedded in the duties of committee's advisory functions.What is your role as a committee member?
This work usually includes:
Attending committee meetings (approx. 5 per annum)Participating in workgroups / subcommitteesReviewing documents and informationProviding expertise, feedback and sound adviceAttending Bi/Annual workshopsIf appointed to the committee, you will be integral to the 2024-2028 NAEAC Strategy. The four aims of this strategy are:
Advance public confidence in research, testing, and teaching - Effectively engage to improve public awarenessDecision makers have evidence to inform change - Evidence-based advice provided to Minister and Director-General of MPIA robust system - Ensure a responsible research, testing, and teaching systemAnimal use is well justified - Animal ethics committees are supported in making robust decisionsAbout you
In order to meet the committee's obligations, the appointees are from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines and experience. We are looking for dedicated individuals who can provide expertise with nuance, pragmatism and robustness. Preference will be given to those with direct experience in governance.
You may come from a relevant nominating agency, work in an adjacent professional field related to the manipulation of animals or have expertise in animal-based learning.
Our ideal appointees will have expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Veterinary scienceMedical scienceBiological scienceThe commercial use of animals in research and testingEthical standards and conduct in respect of animalsEducation issues, including the use of animals in schoolsThe manipulation of animals in research, testing, and teachingEnvironmental and conservation managementAnimal welfare advocacyThe Process
Appointments are made, for a maximum term of three years, by the Minister of Agriculture, who is required to ensure that the committee has knowledge and experience in certain relevant areas. This is not a salaried MPI position. MPI will be facilitating the nomination/application process on behalf of the minister's office.
Appointees will be subject to an interview and background checks. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or residents and are required to supply contact details for two referees. Applicants are required to complete a conflicts of interest disclosure.
Successful appointees are entitled to reimbursement of expenses and a daily honorarium of $400 for meeting attendance and meeting preparation.
For information regarding the position, please contact ******. Applications close at midnight, Monday 30 September 2024.
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